Who is in the running to be next leader of St Helens Council?

Kenny Lomas

Four candidates have put themselves forward to become leader of St Helens Council after Derek Long announced he would “stand aside” following the local elections.

On Friday, Coun Long made the shock announcement that he would not seek re-election as leader following Thursday’s local elections.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service can reveal that four candidates have formally applied to replace Coun Long as leader of the council.

These are councillors Marlene Quinn, David Baines, Jeanie Bell and John Wiseman.

This could yet change by the time the contest is held at the Labour group’s annual general meeting (AGM) on May 14.

One of the reasons for this is that two of the candidates, councillors Quinn and Baines, still need to be re-elected to their respective wards of West Park and Windle.

Coun Baines confirmed he has put himself forward for leader, but said he is focused on Thursday’s election and is “taking nothing for granted”.

“My focus is fully on the election this Thursday, supporting Labour candidates across the borough and fighting my own election campaign in Windle,” Coun Baines said.

“If I am re-elected, it is true I have put myself forward to lead the Labour group and the council, but that’s not my focus at the moment and I’m taking absolutely nothing for granted about Thursday’s election.

“As we do all year round, myself and my Labour colleagues are working hard for every vote and that will be all I think about until the votes are counted on Thursday night.”

Newton councillor Jeanie Bell, who returned to her council duties in January after having brain surgery, has also confirmed she will be running for leader.

Coun Bell said all of her “effort and energy” is being utilised to elect Labour councillors on May 2, including the party’s Newton candidate, Fiona Ruddy.

Another contender, John Wiseman, said some people in the borough no longer feel engaged with political process.